SE Review response

The unions have responded to the South East Review proposals.

The unions have replied to the initial proposals outlined by management for the South East region which were presented to unions and staff on 31 August 1999.

While the editorial propositions seemed to be fairly detailed, the unions said the possible effect on staff was not clear. Both BECTU and the NUJ acknowledged that it may be some time before details became available, but said there would be the need for full consultations as those details became known.

The unions asked for a commitment on no compulsory redundancies as soon as possible.

With the introduction of two new multi-media centres, one in Tunbridge Wells as the headquarters of a new South East Region and the other at Marylebone High Street to replace Elstree, the unions said that many questions will be raised by staff affected by the proposals. Among them would be whether the move would be compulsory, possible problems with commuting, relocation, creche facilities, car parking and the type of conditions under which they would be employed. Resources staff would want to know whether they would be on Hours or Days conditions.

Regional Broadcast personnel controller Alistair Currie with Alan Summerfield, Resources Manager, Production Services meeting with BECTU and NUJ officers Gerry Morrisey and John Barsby, gave a commitment to retrain and deploy staff wherever possible. When further details become clear, the unions and management will meet again at cross-directorate level to discuss the implications.

During the work at Marylebone High Street, it's proposed that GLR will operate from premises in Bush House. While anyone involved in regional programmes at Elstree would eventually move to Central London, Elstree itself would still remain as a BBC site.